Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Many among the Juventini have been anxiously awaiting the moment of their return in the Champions League, including all the players who have gone through these incredible last two years. Two years of sacrifices, but also and foremost two years of victories. And now, with Wednesday's match against Zenit coming up, everyone will be able to taste the magic atmosphere of the most illustrious European Club competition again.

One of these is definitely Alessandro Del Piero. The Captain has carried the team through Serie B and then through the season of their return to Serie A, scoring more than anybody else (he was top scorer both seasons), and is even more eager to do well than before. That's why the first Champions League game in two years is an achievement in itself:

"It makes us all feel good: me, the Club, everybody. In terms of what we did in the last two years, this return is full of meaning. That's why I'm over the moon".

Wednesday night's match at the Olimpico (a novelty for the Turin stadium after all the years playing at the Delle Alpi) will almost feel like a new debut for the Captain, 13 years after his first appearance in the competition. There'll be no shortage of excitement:

"Just as we weren't really like other newly promoted Clubs last year in Serie A, we can't really see ourselves as newbies in Europe either. We're curious because a lot of things have changed in the last two years, but no-one can afford to forget what this team has done in its 100 year-plus history. If they still consider us as a surprise, so much the better, we can exploit this. We will be playing very hard-fought games, but they're going to be tough for our opponents too".

The first team to be faced is called Zenit, and it represents Russian football, an emerging phenomenon; a team that have become well-known in Europe by getting important wins. That's why it won't be an easy debut, but there's no risk of underestimating Juve's opponents:

"I watched the UEFA Cup Final last year and the recent Super Cup one – Del Piero continued – but I also followed Russia's run at the European Championships. I noticed they've got great qualities, both in terms of individual players and as a team".